Virgil van Dijk becomes first Liverpool player to speak about Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as manager

Virgil van Dijk has broken the silence among Liverpool players regarding reports linking Arne Slot with a potential move to Anfield.

Slot has emerged as Liverpool’s leading managerial candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. Talks have reportedly commenced between the club and Feyenoord boss Slot regarding the possibility of him taking the helm of the Premier League side for the 2024/25 campaign.

Slot’s compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, has expressed his support for the potential appointment, offering glowing praise for the Feyenoord manager.

Following Liverpool’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Everton, the captain commented,

“I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach. But I read and hear that it is far from complete. We shall see. We will focus on that next season, but that is still a long way off.”

Arne Slot has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Klopp, following apparent setbacks in Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim. The 45-year-old Dutch manager began his coaching journey at Cambuur before making his mark at AZ Alkmaar.

Slot’s tenure as Feyenoord manager began in July 2021, and he guided them to the Dutch league title in the 2022/23 season. However, despite Liverpool’s interest, Feyenoord rejected their initial offer of around £7.7 million, inclusive of bonuses. The Merseyside club proposed an initial £6 million upfront payment, with an additional £1.7 million tied to performance bonuses. Nevertheless, Feyenoord appears to be holding out for a total package of £8.5 million.

Klopp’s iconic reign at Liverpool will draw to a close at the conclusion of the season, following his surprising decision announced in January.